Pro-Erdoğan daily calls Merkel a ‘Female Hitler’

A man reads an issue of the Güneş daily, with its front page showing German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Nazi uniform with a Hitler-style moustache, labeling the German leader as a "Female Hitler," on March 17, 2017 in Istanbul. The right-wing tabloid-style daily Güneş published the picture along with the words in German: "#Frau Hitler" and called her an "ugly aunt," amid a bitter war of words between Ankara and Berlin. / AFP PHOTO / YASIN AKGUL

As tension between Turkey and European countries over the cancellation of Turkish ministers’ campaign rallies persists, the pro-Erdoğan Güneş daily on Friday depicted German Chancellor Angela Merkel as Hitler on its front page.

Putting Merkel in a Nazi uniform with a Hitler-style moustache, the daily called the chancellor a “Female Hitler.”

Accusing Germany harboring terrorists, the daily also claimed that Berlin is inciting all of Europe against Turkey: “Trying to be the leader of fascists, Merkel creates anti-Turkish enmity using Germany’s backyard — Austria, the Netherlands and Belgium.”

The daily listed France as a new member of the anti-Turkish movement in Europe.

Güneş also reiterated a government claim that Germany and the Netherlands are attacking Turkey because they are uneasy with the construction of a third airport in İstanbul.

A campaign rally to be held by ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) Deputy Chairman Mehdi Eker in Hannover was cancelled on Thursday.